Spared to Hear the Lord's Knocking

Luke 13:6-9 

            Here we have the story of the barren fig tree.  One day the master came along and noticed that for the third straight year the little fruit was not bearing.  In his frustration, he ordered his caretaker to lay axe to the tree and cut it down.  The caretaker sensed that the little tree had the potential to bear fruit.  For three years he had pruned it, fertilized it, watered it, and dug around its roots.  After so much labor it would be a shame to simply cut the tree down without at least one more opportunity to prove itself.  For that reason, the caretaker asked his master to spare the tree for an additional year.

            Jesus used simple illustrations to teach valuable lessons.  In this instance He used a barren tree to show that our God is patient with His children.  Without exception, we are all here today because God has spared us.  But who is to say that any of us will be here next year?  Why, the Lord could return and call His Church away.  Or death could come and take us.  God knows what we have done with our time and He knows our potential.

 Most of us here today are believers.  Recall the last year.  Is there some work for the Lord that you have shirked?  I am ashamed to say that there were many opportunities for service in the past year that I let slide for one reason or another.  Unfortunately, last year is past and there is nothing I can do to reclaim it.  The question then becomes, “What will I do about the future?”  What will any of us do with the opportunities that lay before us?

*Revelation 3:14-22

            Too many times this scripture is taken out of its proper context.  The door at which Jesus stands knocking is that of the Church.  I believe the seven churches of Revelation were chosen because they represent periods of Church history.  I believe the Laodicean age is here.  The people of God have never had it better in terms of wealth and ease.  No one threatens us this morning with persecution.  We sit in a comfortable building without fear.  But look at what a shape the Church is in!

I.                   The Shape of the Church Today

A.    Neither hot nor cold

1.      Sitting on the sidelines.  Opposed to sin but no so much we can’t stand it!

2.      Tepid water is of no use – too cool for bathing and too warm for drinking

B.     Wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked

1.      Wretched – Poor attendance/inactive in service

2.      Miserable – Unhappy/discontent.  Not being fulfilled or blessed

3.      Poor – In spiritual matters.  No miracles and no faith.  Starving at the King’s table

4.      Blind – Unaware of how pathetic we appear

5.      Naked – Without righteousness.  Again entangled with sin

II.                Jesus Quietly Knocks and Waits

A.    He waits for us to grow tired of this sad estate

1.      There is grace and power aplenty if we would but open the door

2.      We are in complete control of the Spirit’s access!

B.     Observe Elijah’s experience (The still small voice)

1.      He will not tear down the door to get in

2.      He will not insist upon having more than we are willing to give

Should the Lord spare us another year how will we then appear?  Let repentance begin at the House of God!